Scarlett was so scared, she had a phobia of heights, therefore she gripped Julian's hand tighter, cold sweat immediately poured out all over her body and her face became paler, Julian turned worried, afraid that Scarlett would faint after this.
"Don't worry Scarlett, I'm here for you, don't be afraid."
Julian's words seemed to immediately bewitch Scarlett to slowly let go of her fear, after which she was able to regain control of herself while smiling faintly at Julian.
"Are you better now?"
Scarlett nodded, at that time the plane had successfully taken off so Julian wanted to invite Scarlett to enjoy the luxury of his jet in another room, but Scarlett refused, but she also forbade Julian from leaving by not letting go of his hand.
Julian glanced at his hand and protested, "my hand."
Scarlett had a sad face, it was still about three hours before the private jet arrived in Teterboro, Julian just snorted seeing Scarlett begging him.
It didn't feel like time was running faster than expected, the plane had landed smoothly in Teterboro, but Scarlett and Julian accidentally fell asleep while holding hands, this made Jonathan, who was always mischievous with Julian, secretly take a very funny photo of them sleeping, after which he shouted, "There's a fire!"
Scarlett and Julian rushed to get up and panicked, Jonathan, who could no longer control their expressions, raised his hands and apologized.
"Sorry Boss, but we have arrived at the airport," he said in between his incessant laughter.
Julian took off his seat belt while glaring at Jonathan mercilessly. He also didn't care about Scarlett anymore, he got off the plane in annoyance.
"Jonathan, why did you make Julian angry?"
"No, believe me it won't last long, we have grown up together since childhood."
Jonathan answered while helping Scarlett unfasten her seat belt. Scarlett just nodded when she heard Jonathan's story, who had lived with Julian since he was five years old. Jonathan was Aunt Mer's son.
"I didn't see Julian at all, where is he?"
Jonathan nodded while muttering, "Looks like Julian was really annoyed so he rushed home,"
Scarlett pursed her lips, after that she got into the car that picked her up. On the way to Grandma Victoria's residence, Jonathan apparently received a message from Julian.
'I accidentally met Selena, I'm with her now. Don't upset me any more, keep this a secret from Grandma and Scarlett.'
Jonathan seemed to sigh, then glanced at Scarlett who was sitting lost in thought, leaning her head against the window. For some reason, Jonathan felt concerned about Scarlett, he knew that Julian really loved Selena and would never let her go. Jonathan then tried to turn his gaze in all directions when Scarlett caught him. Coincidentally, the person who picked them up that day was Mr. Jack, Grandma Victoria's personal driver.
"What's wrong Jo? Did Julian contact you? What did he say?"
"Julian is back on set."
"Okay."
After that, it didn't feel like the journey to Grandma Victoria's house was so fast. When she arrived at the Green Garden of Grandma Victoria's residence, Scarlett immediately rushed in, she couldn't wait to meet the woman, Scarlett just wanted to say that she was fine.
Scarlett then hugged Grandma Victoria tightly as soon as she arrived in the living room. It seemed that only with this woman would she find sincere love like her late mother. Alana wanted to cry remembering the treatment of her entire family yesterday.
"Are you okay there darling? Don't they ever ask where you lived while in New York?"
Alana just shook her head slowly, then took a deep breath while pretending to smile.
"They're not that good, Grandma, forget it. I will forever be here for Grandma."
Grandma Victoria frowned, it seemed like the woman had caught the signal of disappointment radiating from Scarlett's face.
"Did something happen there?"
"No Grandma, don't think about it anymore, the most important thing is that I came back for Grandma and Julian."
Grandma then nodded, appreciating Scarlett who didn't want to discuss everything further.
"Get some rest, this afternoon Ben will come here to see you."
"What's wrong, Grandma?"
"Regarding the clothes you will wear tomorrow."
Scarlett just nodded, couldn't believe her secret marriage still involved an outsider like Ben Ford, was it safe? The wedding should have been simple, it wouldn't have been a problem, and besides, the wedding wasn't that important to Julian. Ah, Scarlett's mind is running out of memory again.
After having lunch in the dining room with Grandma, Scarlett said goodbye to go back to her room. He also told him that Julian had returned to the shooting location after picking him up earlier.
***
The afternoon sunlight filtered through the restaurant's tall windows, reflecting gently on the marble floors and wooden tables covered with white linen. This luxury restaurant in Manhattan feels livelier during the day, elegant without feeling stuffy, busy but still maintaining privacy. From a distance, you could faintly hear the sounds of busy city traffic, contrasting with the tranquility in the room.
Julian sat casually at one of the tables near the window. He wore a casual suit with neutral shades, a light blazer without a tie, a neatly cut white shirt and tailored trousers that fell perfectly. The shoes are simple, but definitely classy. There are no flashy logos, but every detail shows that everything he wears comes from an expensive brand. Her appearance doesn't try to steal attention, instead it exudes mature confidence.
Selena came a few minutes later.
She wore a simple, soft-colored dress with a clean cut that followed her curves gracefully. Without excessive detail,without flashy colors. However, as soon as she stepped inside, several heads suddenly turned. Her star aura just came out, natural, calm, and hard to ignore. Small sparkling earrings on her ears, a thin bracelet around her wrist, and a simple necklace perched around her neck, all added to the impression of elegance without overpowering her own beauty.
Julian stood up and pulled out a chair for her. Their gazes met, accompanied by a thin smile that felt familiar but maintained.
The lunch menu is light but exclusive. For appetizers, Selena ordered the avocado crab salad, served with lemon vinaigrette and fresh microgreens. Julian chose lobster bisque, a thick, creamy soup with a subtle touch of cognac.
The main course came shortly after. Selena chose grilled salmon with honey mustard sauce, accompanied by quinoa and brightly colored grilled vegetables. Julian ordered the chicken truffle pasta, handmade pasta with a light cream sauce and not too much truffle aroma, just right for a fancy lunch without being heavy.
They chatted casually, interspersed with small laughs and quiet pauses that actually felt comfortable. Julian occasionally noticed the way Selena held her fork, the way she smiled while listening, as if the world around her could be put aside for a moment.
To finish, they shared lemon tart with soft meringue on top, accompanied by iced Americano for Julian and sparkling water with lemon slices for Selena.
Outside, Manhattan remains busy at its own pace. But at that table, under the warm afternoon light and the aroma of expensive dishes, Julian and Selena's meeting felt calm and classy, a brief respite from the world, which secretly left a deeper impression than they expected.
"Is there something you want to talk to me about?"
Julian was still silent as he continued to stare at Selena who always appeared perfect in front of him, the corners of his lips lifted into a small smile.
Julian lied to Scarlett, he hadn't talked about his marriage to Selena, so right now he was afraid of himself, so he didn't dare say a word.
"Okay, I'm going, in several minutes I have to be in SoHo for a photo shoot."
His strong hand casually stopped the beautiful girl in front of him, making Selena return to her original position with an annoyed look.
"Sit down, I only need to talk to you for three minutes, nothing more."
Selena nodded in agreement and was ready to listen to him seriously.
"Next week, Grandma asked me to marry the woman of her choice."
Selena's pupils dilated in surprise, she didn't expect that moment to happen so quickly, even though she knew that moment would definitely come to her because she had rejected Julian's proposals several times and didn't want to give up her brilliant career.
"So?"
"I won't leave you, that marriage is just a contractual marriage that I made without Grandma's knowledge, I hope you will still be committed to me."
Selena slightly raised one eyebrow, she was surprised again. Even so, he still tried to stay calm, that was one of his skills.
"Okay, we'll talk about this later, I want to meet him tonight, 7 o'clock at Megan's Pavilion, Vanila Resto."
Julian breathed a sigh of relief, whatever Selena's response was, he had already discussed everything, besides Selena didn't show the slightest anger, Julian hoped that Selena could join in his plan.
"Okay, I'll take her there later."
"Okay, I'm leaving now."
"Let me take you."
Selena shook her head, then made a sweet face towards Julian, as if to say she was fine.
"My manager is waiting in the car. See you, Julian."
Julian snorted then was forced to wave Selena's hand back while constantly looking at the woman's back which was slowly moving away from her.
"I'm sorry Selena, I know you won't be okay after this.."